Choctaw tribal member and competitive runner Corey Berlin defines himself as a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Stacie, and proud father to three boys—Bryce, Colby, and Caleb. He is also committed to improving the health and wellbeing of others. For the past 20 years, Corey has served his community as a physical therapist. His work is rooted in the belief that “movement is medicine,” a philosophy he lives out both professionally and personally.
Corey first learned how critical athletic trainers and physical therapists were in helping athletes recover from injuries during his time playing football at Louisiana Tech. This sparked his passion for the field of physical therapy—a perfect combination of his love for sports and his desire to help people rebuild their lives after injury or surgery.
“It’s great to work with someone at a very vulnerable time,” said Corey. “It’s very satisfying to help people in that low point—give them hope, give them something to look forward to.”
Corey acknowledges that others describe him as a competitive person, and he agrees. But college football and daily workouts gave way to getting married and having a family, and he found that he wasn’t able to compete like he had in his younger days. With the encouragement of some friends, Corey began running competitively just before his 40th birthday. Although he never thought of running as an enjoyable pastime, he jumped in with both feet, so to speak, and began training for a half marathon. He discovered that he loved the thrill of the race. His athletic background and strong sense of discipline drove him to push harder and faster, and what began as a one-time challenge quickly turned into a lifestyle of early mornings, rigorous training, and relentless self-improvement.
“My competitiveness just took over. I saw that I could not only compete with myself but compete against other people, compete against the clock,” said Corey.
Now in his mid-40s, Corey is a seasoned marathoner who has competed in world-renowned races like the Boston, Berlin, London, New York City, and Chicago marathons. He has his sights set on completing the six World Marathon Majors and dreams of becoming the fastest 50-year-old marathon runner in the U.S.
Balancing his roles as a father, husband, physical therapist, and elite runner requires discipline and sacrifice. His day often starts at 4:30 a.m., ensuring he can train without giving up time with his family or patients. He believes deeply in modeling hard work and perseverance—values instilled in him by his own father, a pastor in Shreveport, Louisiana.
As a father himself, Corey has tried to instill the value of hard work in his own sons by setting a good example and including them in his devotion to healthy behaviors.
“I was taught by my dad that great things can only happen through hard work. Nothing is given to us, especially in athletic events or competitions. You have to work harder than everybody else if you want to get the result that you’re looking for,” said Corey.
“You can’t just roll out of bed and do it. You have to put in the work. And that hard work and that dedication is something that I hope they are seeing,” he said.
Corey’s passion for running has taken him across continents and introduced him to a global community of runners, but more importantly, it has become a platform for ministry. The family motto, “To God be the glory. The best is yet to come,” guides his mindset daily.
Faith remains at the center of everything Corey does. Whether he’s working with post-surgery patients, training at dawn, or crossing a finish line, he sees each moment as an opportunity to be a light in the world. Corey and his running group have incorporated prayer into their daily runs, transforming each mile into a spiritual journey. For Corey, running is not just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual. It’s a metaphor for life and faith: full of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs.
“I believe that my sole mission in life, no matter what I’m doing—if I’m working as a physical therapist, if I’m running, if I’m being a husband and dad—I should be an ambassador for Christ,” Corey said.
Through running, Corey has found a deeper connection with others and a means to inspire. Whether it’s a patient recovering from surgery or a fellow runner struggling with self-doubt, he encourages people to believe it’s never too late to start. His message is simple but profound: be consistent, embrace discomfort, and keep moving forward—physically, spiritually, and mentally.
As he looks to the future, Corey hopes his journey not only glorifies God but also encourages the next generation to live with purpose, resilience, and faith. His story is one of transformation: from football player to physical therapist, from non-runner to marathoner, from individual pursuit to community and ministry. Corey Berlin is running for a purpose—one that he hopes will leave a lasting positive impact on his family, friends, and his community.
The Choctaw Nation believes everyone is entitled to a healthy lifestyle. The PACE (Promoting Active Communities Everywhere) Program is designed to promote the importance of regular physical activity, whether through walking, jogging, or running, as a foundation for a healthier lifestyle. Check out the PACE program.
Corey Berlin, a dedicated marathon runner and advocate for wellness, embodies the spirit of the program by setting powerful examples of endurance, commitment, and Choctaw pride.
